Comparative Essay On Romeo And Juliet

The Elizabethan era, also known as the Golden Age of England, was a period of cultural, artistic, and economic growth that lasted from 1558 until 1603 under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This era is renowned for its literature, theater, music, and fashion, as well as its advancements in science and exploration. During this time theater thrived, and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was written and performed during this period. The play is set in 14th century Verona, Italy, but reflects the values and beliefs of Elizabethan society. Romeo and Juliet explores themes of love, violence, and fate, which were popular topics in Elizabethan literature. The play also reflects the social hierarchy of the time, with the Capulet and Montague families representing

Tybalt challenges Romeo to a fight after he sees he attended the Capulet party without an invitation. Romeo does not want to fight Tybalt, so Mercutio answers Tybalt’s challenge instead. While Tybalt and Mercutio are dueling, Romeo tries to bring peace by breaking up the fight. While Romeo is trying to intervene, Tybalt stabs Mercutio under Romeo’s arm. Mercutio is dying and it is at Romeo’s fault. While Mercutio is dying he curses a plague on both montague and capulet houses. This brings forward the tragic ending of the play because if Tybalt or Mercutio were aware of the secret marriage they would not have jousted with each other. By Mercutio putting a plague on both houses, this makes all circumstances that were once hopeful, now dark and dreary. Additionally, after Mercutio is dead Tyablt challenges Romeo, insisting one of them must join Mercutio. Tybalt and Romeo duel, ending in Tybalt’s death. The prince bans Romeo from Verona as his punishment for being responsible for both Mercutio and Tybalt’s deaths. Secrecy is revealed at this moment for the reason that if Romeo and Juliet would have shared their secret the duels would not have taken place to begin with. After both Romeo and Friar are informed about Romeo’s banishment, he mentions how his exile is not any different from death. He comments his expulsion is just as terrible as

Friar Lawernece creates a plan for the young couple to reunite after Romeo’s banishment in expectation they will be able to live together happily. Friar informs Juliet to take a vial of distilled liquor to keep her asleep until Romeo arrives to come and awaken her. During this process the nurse finds Juliet assuming she is already dead. This connects with the theme of secrecy, as the nurse was not aware of the plan Friar presented to Romeo and Juliet. The nurse assumed Juliet was dead because she did not have any knowledge about the vial of poison. Following, Romeo seeks Juliet at the tomb where he encounters Paris. Paris challenges Romeo to a fight, because Paris believes he has come to disrespect Mercutio and Tybalt’s souls. Paris is slain by Romeo. He asks that Romeo open the tomb and lay him with Juliet. This event conveys secrecy’s tragic effect, because if Paris was informed about the couple’s secret marriage he would not have come to the tomb to challenge Romeo. After, Romeo goes into the tomb presupposing Juliet is dead, so he drinks his vial of poison to be with her. Juliet awakes and sees Romeo is dead so he pulls his dagger and lies dead on him. Lastly, the secret love of the couple is revealed to both families at their funeral. Lady Capulet eventually dies from a broken heart caused by Romeo and Juliet. Neither families were informed about Romeo and Juliet’s love